Out with the old, in with the new

2013 — that means it's “out with the old and in with the new.” We leave behind old memories but we'll make new ones in the new year.

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LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

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Posted Dec. 31, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Posted Dec. 31, 2012 at 5:00 PM

2013 — that means it's "out with the old and in with the new." We leave behind old memories but we'll make new ones in the new year. One of the best places in La Junta to meet up with old friends at any time, but especially the holidays, is the Copper Kitchen. Larry Tucker is usually on hand to greet folks along with his son-in-law and daughter, Adam and Julie. The entire staff makes you feel very welcome. Cindy and I met my nephew, Rick White of Casa Grande, Ariz., his daughter, Erin and Bill and their two children, of Delta, at Larry's on Thursday morning. We had a great visit, even though it was short. They were here visiting with Emily's mother, Ruth Malott and other family for Christmas. Emily and their other daughter Allie were both sick so we didn't get to see them.

New Year's Eve was always a special time to do a little celebrating when Bob was still alive. We usually went to the Elks Lodge to dance the New Year in, then we'd go to someone's house for breakfast. We had some great times. For the last 17 years the times have changed but still been fun. I've gone to dinner with friends then we'd watch movies at home or play cards to bring in the New Year. My friend Dortha McLain (now Johnson) and myself spent years with Gordon (Shorty) and Hallie Schockey. We'd go to the Schockeys to visit, eat and bring in the New Year. I've also spent time at home just watching the celebrations on television.

Each new year brings new things for family and friends to enjoy. We continue seeing our old friends but also make new acquaintances. If the year 2013 is as good as 2012, I won't be able to complain. I'm sure you know that while I've been writing, my thoughts have wandered back to some of the many things I did. A few of those remembrances include:

A trip to Dodge City, Kan., to celebrate Hallie Schockey's birthday. That was in February. Spent Saturday night and returned home Sunday. Making that trip were Hallie and Shorty, their daughter, Shawna Frankmore, Dortha, Cindy Wallin and myself. The reason we went to Dodge City — to gamble. I did get quite a bit of exercise in while looking for a machine that might pay off. No such luck!

Flew to Yorktown, Va., in May to visit my family, Bobby, Debbie and Austin.

Debbie's folks, Jim and Cynthia Zeier of Mesa, Ariz., also few in then we drove to Syracuse, N.Y., for the graduation of the oldest grandson, Brian Sneath from law school. We spent a few days there, saw some beautiful country, met a wonderful cab driver named Bob. He took great care of us.

Upon our return to Virginia (nine hour drive, opposed to 10 hours going) we got to spend Mother's Day at Virginia Beach. I love going there, walking along the beach, watching all the families. It was a beautiful day and we had a great feast at an outdoor restaurant.

Page 2 of 2 - In July, Cindy took me to Saratoga, Wyo., for the wedding of Tim Hill and Erin Jones. We spent a night in Fort Collins enroute to Wyoming. The area surrounding Saratoga is beautiful. Several folks from La Junta were staying at the same place we were. That makes it nice when you see familiar faces. We returned home on Sunday and I was worn out.

Oh, I forgot. Back in March Cindy, myself, Janet and Dave Hill, Marvin and Dorothy Kubin, Joe and Karen Kelley, had dinner together at the St. Patrick celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Patrick Catholic Church. Ardeth made a "big" mistake at the close of the auction by raising her hand to ask a question and ended up buying — A TIE — that has to go back in 2013 to be sold to someone AGAIN! Don't ask questions or raise your hand at an auction!

My hope for everyone is that the new year brings you good health, lots of great times with family and friends and many "new memories."

(P.S. If you are going out to celebrate, please have designated driver.)